Sterling Silver Antiques
Within silver antiques, there are a number of classifications based on silver content, including sterling silver. Sterling silver is a term referring to a silver content of 92.5%. This alloy is hard enough to hold useful shapes, but still be significantly silver in composition. Fine silver, 99.9%, is way too soft in order to be any use and hold a shape. Historically sterling silver was made in England and its incorporation into the currency lead to the term pounds sterling. What you will find that is quite collectable is a variety of sterling silver items and coins.
Discount & Bargain
Sterling silver made its big debut, over the century from 1840 to 1940, as flatware. Silver ware was for the last century and beyond made from sterling silver (hence why we call it silverware). Sets were produced with up to 10 courses per place. With everyday interest in silverware sets declining up to and through today, the antique sets of silverware out there up for auction are a good value and good investment (as with any silver good).
So what can you do to get the most out of you auction? Look for the words sterling silver. This legally has to refer to the fact that the piece is 92.5% silver. Make sure that tarnish is not too bad; if it is good you can safely clean the silverware. Make sure that surface damage is minimal, and that there is no clear evidence of a re-pour of melted silver. As long as you are careful, you will find may items for your collection.
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